New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin is challenging his team to resurrect a little bit of pride after seeing its playoff chances slipping away.

Coughlin said he wants his team to give a big fight in their crucial season-finale against division rival Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

"That is what I talked to our team [about] this morning -- pride, honor, dignity, play the game that we are capable of playing," a stern Coughlin said. "Finish the season with a game we can all be proud of."

After starting the season on a positive note, the defending NFL champions lost five of their last seven games and are now a game behind division leader Washington Redskins (9-6) going into the final weekend of the regular-season.

Still, Coughlin is not losing hope that his team will showcase the heart of a champion in the upcoming match against the equally disappointing Eagles.

"They are a group of outstanding character people that listen to what is said, and I think it does strike them," Coughlin said. "No one wants to finish the season like we have the last couple of games. I am sure that will resonate a little interest on their part."